Customizable display device

ABSTRACT

A display device including a base member and a display member affixed to at least one surface of the base member. The display member includes an image that is both fixed and selectively alterable. The display device can includes an LED circuit strip having a plurality of LEDs, which provides the appearance of a moving image or other LED display. The display device can also be a multi-media display device including a display member and identification and data capture member for receiving a wireless transmission The display device can be in the form of a wristband and can include an audio chip a power source and fastening member for securing the display device to a body or an article.

This application claims priority to applicants' co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/740,682 entitled “CUSTOMIZABLE DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING AN ALTERABLE IMAGE” filed Nov. 30, 2005 and co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/809,797 entitled “MULTI-MEDIA DISPLAY DEVICE” filed Jun. 1, 2006. The entirety of these patent applications is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a customizable display device having an alterable image, and in particular to a display device that displays altering visual multi-media images. The present invention also relates generally to a display device that can be customized with flash media as an embedded technology of the display device.

2. Background of the Technology

Display devices have been used to provide fixed messages, such as for identification, security control, drinking age verification, advertising, and use as a novelty item.

However, there remains an opportunity for a display device to actively engage the user. Further, there remains an opportunity for businesses to promote a product and expand their markets, for sponsors to promote an event, and for other entities to deliver information, in a visually pleasing manner through multi-media, that also engages the user of the display device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes display devices that provide alterable images or messages. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the image or message is embedded in a display device such as a wristband, tag or label that can be applied to a human body, pets or property. Further, the images or messages can be embedded in buttons, such as campaign buttons, signage, nametags, general tags and packaging and display materials.

In one variation, viewing the image at different angles or external manipulation of the display device can present a moving image or an altering image. Another variation of the display device of the first embodiment of the present invention includes an alterable image that displays a continuum of images for a predetermined time, such as a movie clip.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the display device also includes an illuminated alterable image, such as an arrangement of glowing light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs can be programmed to glow simultaneously or in an alternating manner, so as to provide the appearance of a moving image or design.

In a third embodiment of the present invention, the display device can be a multi-media display device including flash media features that have a liquid crystal display (LCD)-type and other types of electronic imaging receiving and/or transmitting section that can receive wireless transmitted images or other information. For example, images or messages, such as advertisements or announcements can be transmitted from a remote location (e.g., from a device having a processor and transmitter receiver) to the display device for receipt by the display device.

Among other things, the display device can be used in advertising by a variety of businesses and industries to promote goods and services, activities, new product launches or new amusements. Multiple messages can be embedded in the image. The display device can also be a collectible used to commemorate events, such as sporting events, concerts, and community events.

Example embodiments of the present invention have now been described in accordance with the above advantages. It will be appreciated that these examples are merely illustrative of the invention. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D are example display devices in the form of a wristband, according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an example of the sheet assembly of the first embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3A-3B are example display device in the form of a wristband, according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an example, flash media display device wireless transmission network of a third embodiment of the present invention

FIGS. 5A-5B are example transmission systems according to the third embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 6 is an example components diagram for a system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of various system components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate an exemplary display device 10, shown as a wristband, for example, according to a first embodiment of the invention. The display device 10 can include a base member 2 embedded with a display member 4, for example, a lenticular image, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, that shows depth or motion as the viewing angle changes. The lenticular feature of the image optionally produces a three-dimensional effect. When changing the viewing angle of the device, for example, the device provides the appearance of a moving image. The display device 10 can be printed on both an inner or top surface and an outer or bottom surface. FIG. 1C shows, for example, a top surface of an exemplary display device, and FIG. 1D shows the bottom surface of the same device. The display device 10 can include any number of images in the display member 4, such as, for example only, six or seven images, as shown in FIG. 1D.

The base member 2 of the display device 10 can be formed from any material, including, but not limited to, polyvinylchloride (PVC), vinyl/antidermatetic material, a reflective vinyl material, or other synthetic molded or extruded material. The embedded image can be formed on a material such as a polymer, using a lenticular (see, e.g., www.shortcourses.com/how/lenticular/lenticular.htm, as reviewed Nov. 29, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference). The base member 2 can be formed in any shape, so as to represent a product or commemorate an event. For example, the base member 2 can be formed in the shape of a car to represent a NASCAR event. The display member 4 mounted to the base member 2 could also be formed to correspond to the shape and size of the base member.

The embedded image, such as the lenticular image of FIGS. 1A and 1B and the photographic images of FIGS. 1C and 1D, can be affixed to or mounted on at least one surface of the base member 2 and trimmed as necessary, such as by cutting and heat sealing (see further description of making device below). The display device 10 can also include bar coding, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, to keep track of a large number of people or items.

The embedded image(s) can include, but is not limited to, any custom image, such as a logo, message, or approximated video footage. In one example of the first embodiment, the video footage approximation can run for a predetermined amount of time, such as 30 to 60 seconds, through use of a large number of images.

As illustrated, in FIGS. 1A-1D, the base member 2 also includes at least one fastening device 6 to secure the display device 10 to a user. The fastening devices can be reusable or non-reusable. Examples of temporary fastening device can include, for example, snaps, clips or hooks, buckles, Velcro®, a lanyard and a lanyard pouch for ease of fastening and reusability. An example of a permanent fastening device can include glue or tamperproof snap lock closures, resulting in a single fastenable use of the display device 10, wherein the fastening member 6 or device itself must be broken to remove the display device.

The present invention includes a method of making the display device 10. In the method, the images or display members 4 are received from, for example, event sponsors, amusement parks and/or other business entities. The images or display members include information that business entities want to promote, such as food and beverages, goods and services, activities, new product launches or new amusements. In the first stage of manufacture, the display members 4 can be mounted as lenticular images onto a PVC vinyl/anti-dermatitic material, reflective vinyl material or other synthetic molded or extruded material. Image sheets containing multiple copies of particular set of display members 4 are produced as shown in FIG. 2. In the second stage of manufacture, the image sheets are run through a high-precision, high-frequency machine that die cuts the image sheets into separate display devices, sandwiches the display members 4 to the base member 2 material and heat seals the two sections together in a manner that eliminates sharp edges. In addition, heat sealing prevents water and moisture from entering the space between the base member 2 and the embedded image of the display member 4. Thus, the display device 10 can be waterproof and/or moisture proof. Further, the polymeric material containing the embedded image of the display member 4, can be water repellent, so that the embedded image is not altered by water or moisture. As a result, the display device 10 can be worn or used at outdoor events, such as concerts or sporting matches, regardless of the weather. In the third stage of manufacture, after the display device 10 is heat sealed, it is transferred to a station where fastening devices 6 are added thereto so that the display device can be worn.

In another embodiment of the method of making the display device, the display member 4 can be laminated to the base member 2. The affixed display member 4 and base member 2 can then be die cut from the sheet shown in FIG. 2, into individual display devices 10, without heat sealing.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a second embodiment of the display device of the present invention. In the second embodiment, a display device 20 includes an LED circuit strip 22, having a plurality of LEDs 34, which provides the appearance of a moving image or other LED display. In one embodiment, the LED circuit strip 22 of the display device includes a first substrate 24 mounted on a second substrate 26. The first substrate 24 can be rigid and the second substrate 26 can be flexible. The first or rigid substrate 24 controls the moving image, for example, using a power source 28, such as a DC battery, and, optionally, an ON/OFF controller 30. The display device can also include a lithium battery or other rechargeable power source in order to be re-chargeable either through solar or AC current, for example.

The rigid substrate 24 can be an organic substrate and may comprise an insulating base material or a flame resistant material, such as FR-4 or the equivalent. The rigid substrate 24 can include soldered or other wire connected couplings 36 to connect the rigid substrate 24 to the flexible substrate 26. The LEDs 34 can be mounted on the surface of the flexible substrate 26. The flexibility of the substrate allows the user to adjustably mount the display device 20 on their person or property. The flexible substrate 26 can be a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate of Kapton® made by the DuPont Company of Wilmington, Del. or an equivalent. In one variation, the circuit strip 22 also includes a control integrated circuit microchip, or other control device 32 to provide timed pulses to the LEDs, for example.

The LEDs 34 on the circuit strip 22 can be a single color or multiple colors and can be formed into any pattern or shape. In operation, a group of LEDs 34 can give the impression of moving light, such as a light moving back and forth, by each LED sequentially turning on and off. The LEDs 34 can also flicker, blink, or have a steady glow. The circuit strip 22 can also include, for example, polymer light-emitting diodes (PLED), light-emitting diode circuits (LEDCs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), dendrimer technology, or photovoltaic or solar cell technology for displaying an image.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the LED circuit strip 22 can be superimposed on the lenticular image of the first embodiment, so that the display device 20 both has a moving lenticular image and a glowing LED feature.

In addition to a battery or other power source, the display device can be self-activated or powered automatically by the physical movement of the user, for example. In the display device of the present invention, for example, the display device 20, in the form of a wristband, for example, can include motion activated lighting modules such that the LEDs 34 can glow when the user moves his or her wrist. The control of the LED operation may be made via a serial (e.g., a manually operated button or a movement activated switch) or other control device, such as a wireless communication. The display device of the second embodiment can be applied to any portion of a person's body, pets or property with an elongated portion 25, and secured with a fastening member 6.

The display device 20 can also be embedded with at least one audio chip for controlling an audio feature and flash media as discussed below.

The display member on the surface of the display device can also be formed of a combination of the lenticular and LED circuit strip 22.

Another aspect of the second embodiment is that its display device can serve a safety function, such as by making the wearer more visible at night.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, a host can transmit a wireless message to a number of display devices, such as simultaneously. For example, a sponsor of a stadium event can distribute display devices with the sponsor's trademark and/or message. At any time and from any location, the sponsor can transmit a wireless advertising message simultaneously or non-simultaneously to the distributed display devices, in the manner of a wireless handheld device or live streaming multi-media graphics video. Further, in an emergency situation, authorized first responders can transmit wireless messages, such as emergency broadcasts, to users.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A-5B, the display device can include such features as a flexible LCD screen 52 providing a color display for media content, and an automatic identification and data capture member 54 for receiving a wireless transmission. The automatic identification and data capture member comprises for example, microprocessors and/or nano-integrated circuits for storage and rapid transmission of large multimedia information, such as virtual reality files. The microprocessor and nano-integrated circuits allow for webcasting and streaming of both audio and visual data.

The automatic identification and data capture member 54 can include a flash memory chipset, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, or wireless fidelity chip for storing graphical content or other remote readable technology. The readable technology may be used, for example, for reading information from the device and for wireless transmission of information and combinations thereof. The automatic identification and data capture member 54 can be a nano- or micro-flash memory chipset, the SIM card can be a nano- or micro-SIM card and the RFID/wireless fidelity chip can be a nano- or micro-RFID/wireless fidelity chip or other nano-electronic member.

As shown in FIG. 4, the display device 50 can be embedded with an audio chip or sound card 56, so that an audible signal, such as a spoken message, chime other sound, can also be transmitted to and emitted by the device 50. The display device 50 can include instant messaging circuitry or other circuitry that can receive wireless transmissions from a remote source, such as a terminal connected to the World Wide Web. The display device 50 can be formed as a console from an extruded polyvinylchloride (PVC) vinyl and materials forming wireless handheld device housings or telephones. The display device 50 can then be mounted on a flexible member 58 that can be worn by a person or affixed to an article.

The method of transmitting a wireless message to display devices includes the user entering a designated server through a secure socket layer (SSL) via an Internet connection, for example. In one embodiment, the user can design the media content and send the media content as either a unicast or multicast stream through the Internet, where the streamed content is routed to a designated cellular network and multi-cast through a secure wireless application protocol and wireless fidelity combination. The unicast or multicast stream is then routed to the display devices through the cellular network. The display device then displays the unicast or multicast message.

The display device of the third embodiment can include such elements as, a flexible LCD screen, providing a color display for media content, or a flash memory chipset for storing graphics. The device and be embedded with an audio chip so that an audible signal, such as a spoken message, chime other sound can also be transmitted to and emitted by the device. The display device can also include a SIM card and an RFID/wireless fidelity chip. The display device can be attached to a body or article by a fastening member, including, but not limited to, snaps, clips, hooks, buckles, Velcro®, a lanyard and a lanyard pouch.

The wireless information can be transmitted to the display device through a cellular network or a satellite single directional feed, Structured Query Language (SQL) servers and/or the Internet, for example, as shown is FIG. 5B.

In the present invention, the end user can enter a predetermined number, such as a number displayed on the display device, through the display device and/or telephone and/or computer back to the host server to thereby provide feedback to the host server.

Applications of the multi-media display device of the present invention include secure area access entry and re-entry; patron identification; parent-child location; a medium for receiving advertisements through the Internet; global tracking, (e.g. to recover kidnapping victims); health and safety emergency notification, such as crime alert, heart attack, seizure or, accidents; pay-per-view band, providing continuous hourly global advertising to marketing firms, sponsors, sports teams, stadiums and events, continuous stream of global announcements and advertisements during events; issuance of emergency broadcasts; cause promotion and special interest broadcasts; educational messages transmission; political information and address transmission; and retail reciprocating promotions.

The user of the display device can enable active two-way communications with a sponsor through the Internet or through a global positioning system. The two way communication can be achieved by entering into the device through a keyboard or other data entry member, for example, a code that allows the user to respond to a received transmission. The user can then provide feedback on a particular message, elect or vote for a particular issue or respond to the transmission, for example.

Access to the database and capabilities of the system of an embodiment of the present invention occur via hardware and access selections. As shown in FIG. 6, in an embodiment of the present invention, with one option, a user 40, for example, a host, can use locally loaded software at the user's terminal 41, such as a personal computer (PC), minicomputer, microcomputer, mainframe computer, telephone device, hand-held device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other wireless device with a processor, display, and capability of connecting to a network 44, such as the Internet. The user 40 can use the terminal to access a server 43 via couplings 45, 46. The server 43 includes, for example, a PC, minicomputer, microcomputer, mainframe computer, or other device having a processor and a repository for data or connection to a repository for data. The couplings 45, 46 include, for example, wired, wireless, or fiberoptic connections. In another embodiment, the method and system of the present invention operate in a stand-alone environment, such as on a single terminal.

The present invention may be implemented using hardware, software or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward one or more computer systems capable of carrying out the functionality described herein. An example of such a computer system 200 is shown in FIG. 7.

Computer system 200 includes one or more processors, such as processor 204. The processor 204 is connected to a communication infrastructure 206 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). Various software embodiments are described in terms of this exemplary computer system. After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the invention using other computer systems and/or architectures.

Computer system 200 can include a display interface 202 that forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure 206 (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on the display unit 230. Computer system 200 also includes a main memory 208, preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 210. The secondary memory 210 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 212 and/or a removable storage drive 214, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The removable storage drive 214 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 218 in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit 218, represents a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc., which is read by and written to removable storage drive 214. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit 218 includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.

In alternative embodiments, secondary memory 210 may include other similar devices for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system 200. Such devices may include, for example, a removable storage unit 222 and an interface 220. Examples of such may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory (PROM)) and associated socket, and other removable storage units 222 and interfaces 220, which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit 222 to computer system 200.

Computer system 200 may also include a communications interface 224. Communications interface 224 allows software and data to be transferred between computer system 200 and external devices. Examples of communications interface 224 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred through communications interface 224 are in the form of signals 228, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or other signals capable of being received by communications interface 224. These signals 228 are provided to communications interface 224 through a communications path (e.g., channel) 226. This path 226 carries signals 228 and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, a radio frequency (RF) link and/or other communications channels. In this document, the terms “computer program medium” and “computer usable medium” are used to refer generally to media such as a removable storage drive 214, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 212, and signals 228. These computer program products provide software to the computer system 200. The invention is directed to such computer program products.

Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) are stored in main memory 208 and/or secondary memory 210. Computer programs may also be received through communications interface 224. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system 200 to perform the features of the present invention, as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor 204 to perform the features of the present invention. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system 200.

In an embodiment where the invention is implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer system 200 using removable storage drive 214, hard drive 212, or communications interface 224. The control logic (software), when executed by the processor 204, causes the processor 204 to perform the functions of the invention as described herein. In another embodiment, the invention is implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware components, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Implementation of the hardware state machine so as to perform the functions described herein will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s).

In yet another embodiment, the invention is implemented using a combination of both hardware and software.

Although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims. 

1. A display device comprising: a base member; a display member affixed to at least one surface of the base member, the display member including an image that is both fixed and selectively alterable; and a fastening member for securing the display device to an article.
 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display member comprises at least one of a lenticular and a photographic image.
 3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display member comprises a continuum of images that display for a predetermined time.
 4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the base member is formed from an anti-dermatitic material.
 5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display member is formed from a polymeric material.
 6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is water repellent and moisture proof.
 7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening member is selected from the group consisting of snaps, clips, hooks, buckles, Velcro®, a lanyard and a lanyard pouch.
 8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is a wristband.
 9. A method of making a display device comprising a display member and a base member, the method comprising: mounting at least one display member onto a first image sheet comprising at least one base member, affixing the at least one display member to the at least one base member; cutting the first image sheet to into a plurality of image sheets; simultaneously removing sharp edges from the combined display member and base member; and heat sealing the at least one display member to the base member at adjoining edges.
 10. The method of making a display device according to claim 9, wherein mounting a display member comprises: mounting a display member including an image that is both fixed and selectively alterable image.
 11. The method of making a display device according to claim 9, wherein mounting a display member comprises: mounting a display member including a lenticular image.
 12. The method of making a display device according to claim 9, wherein mounting a display member comprises: mounting at least one display member onto a first image sheet comprising at least one base member formed from an anti-dermatitic material.
 13. The method of making a display device according to claim 9, wherein mounting a display member comprises: mounting at least one display member onto a first image sheet comprising at least one base member formed from a polymeric material.
 14. A display device comprising: a first substrate including at least one circuit line on a surface thereof and at least one light-emitting member mounted on the at least one circuit line; a second substrate coupled to the first substrate, a plurality of controls for controlling the at least one light-emitting member, and a power source mounted on the second substrate; and a fastening member for securing the display device to an article.
 15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the first substrate comprises a rigid member, and wherein the second substrate comprises a flexible member.
 16. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the fastening member is selected from the group consisting of snaps, clips, hooks, buckles, Velcro®, a lanyard and a lanyard pouch.
 17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein the light-emitting member is selected from the group consisting of a polymer light-emitting diode, a light-emitting diode circuit, an organic light-emitting diode, a dendrimer member and a photovoltaic member.
 18. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the flexible member comprises a flexible printed circuit board material.
 19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of controls comprise an integrated circuit (IC) controller to issue timed pulses to the at least one light-emitting diode.
 20. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the first and second substrates are formed from an anti-dermatitic material.
 21. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the display device is a wristband.
 22. A multi-media display device comprising: a display member; an identification and data capture member for receiving a wireless transmission; an audio chip; a fastening member; and a power source.
 23. The multi-media display device according to claim 22, wherein the display member comprises a liquid crystal display screen.
 24. The multi-media display device according to claim 22, wherein the identification and data capture member comprises one of a microprocessor and a nano-integrated circuit.
 25. The multi-media display device according to claim 22, wherein the identification and data capture member comprises a device selected from the group consisting of a bar code, a Radio Frequency Identification tag, wireless and a combination Radio Frequency Identification and wireless fidelity tag.
 26. The multi-media display device according to claim 22, wherein the identification and data capture member comprises a subscriber identity module card.
 27. The multi-media display device according to claim 22, wherein the identification and data capture member comprises a nano-electronic member.
 28. The display device according to claim 22, wherein the display device is a wristband.
 29. A display device comprising: a base member; a display means for displaying an image that is both fixed and selectively alterable, the display means being affixed to at least one surface of the base member; and a fastening means for securing the display means to an article.
 30. The display device according to claim 29, wherein the display means comprises at least one of a lenticular and a photographic image.
 31. The display device according to claim 29, wherein the display means comprises a continuum of images that display for a predetermined time. 